Electricity

What is electricity?

Electricity is a convenient and controllable form of energy that
we use every day to power our appliances, provide light and cool
our homes. Electricity is a secondary energy source, meaning it is
generated from the conversion of primary sources of energy, such as
fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil), nuclear power and
renewable sources (wind, hydro, solar, geothermal).

Where does electricity come from?

There are a variety of sources of electricity:

Fossil fuels

The burning of coal, natural gas and oil in power plants using
gas turbines or heat engines produces heat which, when combined
with steam, generates electricity.

Nuclear power

Nuclear fission is used to split atoms and harness the energy
released to generate heat and electricity.

Hydro/wind

Water and wind are used in dams and windmills to power turbines
that create heat and electricity.

Solar

The sun's rays are harnessed by photovoltaic panels that allow
electrons to move freely among them, eventually meeting a circuit
wire and converting into electricity.

Geothermal

This form of energy is generated in the Earth's core which has
temperatures hotter than the sun's surface produced by the slow
decay of radioactive particles, a process that occurs in all
rocks.

Which sources of power contribute to pollution?

Although the cheapest form of generating power is through the
burning of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil, it is
also the most hazardous to the environment. The burning of these
fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which has been
linked to serious environmental complications including: global
warming, climate change, air pollution, natural disasters, habitat
destruction and chronic health problems.

Which sources of power are green?

Energy generated through renewable sources such as hydro, wind,
solar and geothermal are green. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources
of power do not deplete natural resources. They are also cleaner
sources of energy that do not pollute the environment with carbon
emissions.

Although renewable energy sources are better for the health of our
planet, they typically cost more than other sources of energy,
which is why the majority of our electricity is not generated from
green sources.

Just Energy's JustGreen Power product makes it
possible for you to ensure that the equivalent of up to
100% of your electricity consumption is generated
from renewable sources.

Although Just Energy's green energy options
are available in most of the markets we serve, they are not yet
available in all of our markets. Click here to see which markets we
currently offer green energy options in.